25X Optical / 2000X Digital Zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® LensCarl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lenses are designed specifically for compact camcorders, and utilize precision ground optics to maintain the sharpness and contrast found with larger lenses.

DVD Format Video RecordingThe DVD recording format in MPEG2 (SD) delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of these DVDs couldn't be simpler (depending upon the playback device used). After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation® 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) CompatibleCompatibility with a variety of DVD formats3 allows the ease-of-use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required); simply remove the finalized disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD or Blu-ray Disc Player.

Hybrid Plus Recording to DVD, Internal Flash Memory, or Memory Stick® Media Hybrid Plus recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to your choice of DVD media, an internal 8GB9 flash memory drive, or removable Memory Stick Duo media or Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from Memory Stick media or built in flash memory media to DVD -- without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to DVD media can then be played directly in most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation® 3 video game consoles to share your memories with friends and family.

Quick On Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the Quick On feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you’ll always be ready to capture special moments.

Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization SystemAn advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot® Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower Meter SystemUnlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Manual FocusManually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Super NightShot® PlusInfrared SystemThe Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System uses a slow shutter mode to let you shoot video with improved color and contrast, even in total darkness (0 lux).

Stamina® Battery Power Management SystemWhen using the Sony InfoLITHIUM® Battery, the Stamina® Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.

Visual Index ScreenShows thumbnail images of video clips and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making your selection easier.

Battery InformationAt the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged -- in 10% increments -- and the recordable time left.

Easy Handycam® ButtonUsing a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Multi-Language MenuChange the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese

The best part is that its on DVD, used to have another one I used but it was on Tape, it was good, as it too was Sony, but with a DVD Camcorder, this is really easy to use..an what a playback, no more searhing for a tape recorder or even buying tapes, as we know tapes over time do wear out, but DVD's do not.It is so easy to use.....its child's play at most of the time.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Great Product

By Maryfrom Leonardtown MD on 8/20/2008

Pros:

Comfortable to Operate, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Great Sound, Simple Controls

Best Uses:

Family, Special Events, Travel

Describe Yourself:

Getting started

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Sony DCR-DVD810 DVD Handycam Camcorder:

My husband loves it. Most of this stuff confuses me. I have not had a chance to use this yet.